Luol Deng and the Most Surprising Players on the Trade Block

The NBA draft is fast approaching and with it comes the first big trade rumors of the offseason. Teams are looking to either move up (or down) in the draft or trade their picks for an established player.

Every year, there are players on the trading block who we knew for months would be there.

Then there are those who just turn up one morning on the rumor page of some sports website.

As it is every year in Chicago, Luol Deng's name seems to be floating around in many of the trade rumors this offseason.

This year's list is an interesting one with some incredibly talented athletes and key rotation players on the block.

No. 6: Chase Budinger

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Chase Budinger is no longer on the trading block, but since he was on it for a short period he makes the bottom of this list.

Budinger's play with the Houston Rockets this past season earned him a trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team on the up with young Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio and elite forward Kevin Love leading the way. The Wolves needed a wing threat and got one in Budinger, a 40 percent shooter from behind the three-point line.

No. 4: Josh Smith

He did hand in a trade request earlier this season, but the Atlanta Hawks decided to keep him past the trade deadline.

The fact that he is being shopped is surprising given that very few big-name players are traded now, and his destination could change a team's fortunes.

I'm amazed the Hawks are open to trading Smith, who at 26 is just entering his prime and is one of the league's most rounded big men. If Smith leaves, Atlanta would still be stuck with Joe Johnson's monstrosity of a contract as well as a lack of depth in the frontcourt.

No. 3: Andre Iguadola

The team has just seen top scorer Lou Williams exercise his early termination option and they need someone to lead them while they try to replace the lost production. Iguadola proved his worth during the Sixers' decent playoff run this season and is the kind of player that can tip a team from borderline contender to championship favorite.

No. 2: Rudy Gay

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Rudy Gay and the Memphis Grizzlies could be parting ways this summer, according to Bill Ingram of Hoopsworld. The talented small forward is currently being sought after by the Golden State Warriors, who are looking to add talent that can help them escape the draft lottery and re-enter the playoff picture.

Gay is a surprising trade candidate given that he was effectively the face of the franchise alongside Zach Randolph this season, and a high-performer who would be tough to replace.

No. 1: Luol Deng

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Luol Deng is always one of the first Bulls players mentioned in trade rumors. The nine-year veteran small forward earned his first All-Star nod this season for his terrific hustle and defense, and along with Derrick Rose, helped lead the Bulls to the league's best record for a second straight yer.

Deng could get a decent return for Chicago if not for his contract, which at an eight figure per year salary is prohibitive and prevents the Bulls from truly cashing in on his all-time value.

Deng's trade availability is a shock given that he was a security blanket for head coach Tom Thibodeau, who would play his star forward until the dying seconds of even the most lopsided victories and defeats. .